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Luxury train travel in Africa is more than just a journey. It’s an experience of elegance, comfort, and stunning landscapes. Gliding across savannas, deserts, and coastlines in a private suite with fine dining is unforgettable.
Among the best Africa Luxury Trains, three stand out: Rovos Rail, The Blue Train, and the Desert Express. Each offers a unique style of luxury. From the vintage charm of Rovos Rail to the refined elegance of The Blue Train, and the adventurous Desert Express, there’s something for every traveler.
This guide looks at the routes, amenities, and highlights of these three icons. By exploring these options, you can compare and choose the best of Africa Luxury Trains for your next trip.
Travelers seeking ultimate comfort and breathtaking views will find this guide useful. Discover which of these Africa Luxury Trains matches your style and dream itinerary.
Why Choose Africa Luxury Trains?
Flying is fast, and road trips are flexible—but a train journey adds something truly different. Traveling by luxury train in Africa allows you to:
- Slow down and enjoy the scenery without the rush.
- Experience world-class service in a setting where everything is taken care of.
- Reconnect with history, since Africa’s railways are part of its colonial and cultural heritage.
- Blend exploration and relaxation, combining sightseeing stops with the comfort of private suites.
For many travelers, luxury trains are more than transport—they’re bucket-list experiences that define an entire trip.
Rovos Rail: The Pride of Africa
Often called the “Pride of Africa”, Rovos Rail is perhaps the most iconic luxury train on the continent. Founded in 1989, it has become a symbol of vintage glamour and slow travel.
Routes & Destinations
Rovos Rail operates multiple routes, ranging from two-day journeys to epic 15-day expeditions. Popular routes include:
- Pretoria to Cape Town (3 days)
- Pretoria to Victoria Falls (4 days)
- Cape Town to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (15 days)
These journeys showcase Africa’s diversity—spanning vineyards, deserts, savannas, and wildlife reserves.
Accommodation & Experience
Rovos Rail suites are designed with Edwardian elegance. For a complete look at the onboard experience and itineraries, check our Rovos Rail guide. featuring vintage furnishings, wood-panel interiors, and spacious en-suite bathrooms.”
The onboard atmosphere is formal and refined, with dress codes for dinner and an emphasis on timeless luxury. It feels like stepping back into the golden age of rail travel.
Dining & Service
Meals are gourmet four-course experiences paired with South African wines. Dining takes place in restored Victorian-style dining cars, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
The Blue Train: South Africa’s Rolling Five-Star Hotel
Known as “A Window to the Soul of Africa”, The Blue Train has been operating since 1946 and is South Africa’s most famous luxury train.
Routes & Destinations
Unlike Rovos Rail, The Blue Train focuses primarily on one prestigious route:
- Pretoria to Cape Town (and reverse), a two-night journey that connects two of South Africa’s most iconic cities.
This shorter trip makes The Blue Train perfect for travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their South African itinerary without dedicating weeks to train travel.
Accommodation & Experience
The Blue Train offers modern elegance, with plush suites, en-suite bathrooms, and personal butler service. While Rovos Rail emphasizes heritage charm, The Blue Train delivers a contemporary hotel-on-rails feel, blending tradition with innovation.
Guests enjoy spacious suites, high-end finishes, and even bathtubs in the luxury suites. The train exudes privacy and opulence.
Dining & Service
Dining is another highlight, featuring five-star cuisine paired with award-winning South African wines. The menu changes with the seasons, and all meals are prepared on board by expert chefs.
The Desert Express: Namibia’s Adventure Train
While Rovos Rail and The Blue Train dominate South Africa, Namibia’s Desert Express provides something very different—a mix of luxury and adventure.
Routes & Destinations
The Desert Express operates shorter routes, usually:
- Windhoek to Swakopmund (1–2 nights), crossing Namibia’s desert landscapes.
Though less opulent than its South African counterparts, this train is designed to combine comfort with scenic exploration. Along the way, travelers enjoy excursions such as game drives or guided desert tours.
Accommodation & Experience
Suites are comfortable, air-conditioned, and include en-suite bathrooms. The décor is less vintage or opulent but reflects Namibia’s unique character.
The Desert Express appeals to travelers who value scenic adventure as much as luxury. It offers the chance to witness Namibia’s iconic landscapes—sand dunes, wildlife, and desert sunsets—from a moving luxury hotel.
Dining & Service
Meals include both local and international cuisine, offering a taste of Namibia’s culture. Service is warm and welcoming, focused on creating an enjoyable, relaxed journey.
Choosing the Right Luxury Train for You
Each train offers something special. The right choice depends on your travel style, budget, and interests.
- Choose Rovos Rail if you want a long, multi-country adventure with vintage glamour and safari stops.
- Choose The Blue Train if you’re seeking a shorter, ultra-luxurious experience between South Africa’s two biggest cities.
- Choose the Desert Express if you want to mix comfort with exploration across Namibia’s deserts and wildlife.
In short:
- Rovos Rail = Classic luxury and heritage.
- The Blue Train = Contemporary elegance.
- Desert Express = Adventure with comfort.
Final Thoughts
Luxury train travel in Africa offers more than a way to get from one place to another. It’s about living the journey itself, where the landscapes outside your window are as captivating as the experience inside your carriage.
Whether you’re sipping South African wine aboard The Blue Train, watching giraffes on Rovos Rail, or crossing Namibia’s golden dunes on the Desert Express, each train offers an unforgettable story. Dive deeper into our guides to plan your perfect African luxury rail journey.
For travelers dreaming of an African adventure that combines elegance, comfort, and culture, these trains provide the ultimate way to explore the continent.
